Mararuth Allen Mrs. Cox

Wadesboro - Mrs. Mararuth Allen Cox, 94 years young, went to be with her Lord on Monday, December 7, 2015 after fighting an amazing battle with the effects of a stroke in 2011. It might have robbed her of her speech and movement but she held onto her faith, her sense of humor, and her will to stay on this Earth as long as possible for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she loved so dearly. She loved nothing more than having her family all around her and she pulled through even the most difficult times herself in order to have that precious time with them. She was a mother to many others than her own and was lovingly referred to as 'MaMa.' There was always a place in her life and in her heart for anyone who needed or wanted to feel the most incredible love from someone with no agenda but caring. There is a huge hole in many hearts as she has gone on to a better place where she can reunite with so many friends and revel in a new life without pain and limitations. Those of us left behind celebrate the miracle that we had her in our lives to love us and to help mold us into the people we are today. That was surely one of her greatest gifts to us. She would ask that we fill the hole in our hearts by doing for others - something she did her whole life. Mararuth was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina, September 15, 1921 to Nannie Huntley Allen and Hampton Bennett Allen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norwood Cox, and siblings, Hampton Allen, Fred Allen, Nancy Allen Snuggs, and Evalyn Allen Huntley. She leaves to cherish her memory her children and their spouses that she adored: Mararuth (Joe) Capell of Kure Beach, NC, Peggy (Jerry) Bernstein of Raleigh, NC, Adele (Doug) Cines of Wynnewood, PA and Nick (Janet) Cox of Wadesboro, NC; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mararuth's greatest gift to her Lord was loving and doing whatever needed to be done for any of His children - those who could expect a home-cooked meal or something special she thought would taste good when appetites were waning. She was a natural at spirit-lifting, listening, and stopping in to check on those who were sick or home-bound. It was also her gift to just be available and welcoming to any who needed her. Her inner joy and wisdom she passed on with ease and kindness. To her, it was just what she was put here to do. Mararuth was a vibrant and active volunteer in many areas. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Wadesboro, NC. She served in many areas in her church, among those Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Deacon. Singing was one of her passions and she spent her life singing in the choir and as soloist at weddings and funerals in her younger years. There was no big surprise when she would show up at the nursing home or at a family reunion dressed up in one of several costumes with a song to the delight of those present. Many will remember her fondly dressed as a ladybug singing, 'The Love Bug'll Get You If You Don't Watch Out!' Her community involvement included membership on various boards such as: the Council on Alcoholism, Anson House, and Anson Crisis Center. She was a charter member of the hospital auxiliary and co-chaired the Anson County United Way Campaign. She was a community host for the Special Olympics and a volunteer for the Anson County Blood Mobile. Mararuth's volunteer efforts resulted in her receiving several awards: Governor's Volunteer Award in 1997, Woodman of the World's Outstanding Citizen's Award in 1999, and Rotary International Person of the Year Award in 2002. The family wishes to express special thanks to some key people in Mararuth's life: Dr. Carroll Overton of Raleigh, NC., Dr. Victoria Rommel of Wadesboro, NC., and all of the caregivers at WakeMed Rehabilation Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Very special thanks and love go to her team of caregivers in her home for the last four years, Wanda Diggs, Lilly Sturdivant, Rachel Locklear, and Linda Allen, and her home-health nurse, Kathy McLaurin. She truly loved you all as her own and her family will be forever thankful for your loyal and loving care. There will be a service to celebrate the life of Mararuth Allen Cox at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 9, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Wadesboro with a reception following at the church. The graveside committal service will be 12 noon Saturday, January 9, 2016 in Eastview Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:00 pm until on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Leavitt Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Anson Crisis Ministry, P.O. Box 797, Wadesboro, NC 28170 or to First Baptist Church Chancel Choir, P.O. Box 423, Wadesboro, NC 28170, or a charity of one's choice. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfuneralhomewadesboro.com